A Mission to Help Churches Thrive
The Forty Project was born out of a Doctoral project with a vision to equip church leaders for a post-Christendom world. Inspired by the biblical significance of “forty” as a season of testing, renewal, and preparation, we guide churches through transitions so they can remain faithful and flourish in a changing landscape.
Why We Exist – The Church is changing, and leaders need support to navigate it well.
The Crisis – More than 3,500 churches close each year—many of them could have found a better way forward with guidance.
Our Approach – Combining consulting, coaching, and education to help churches make strategic decisions.
Meet the Team
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Rev. Dr. David Ludwig
FOUNDER + DIRECTOR
David Ludwig is the Lead Pastor of New City Church in El Segundo, California, and the founder of The Forty Project. With over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, David has walked alongside churches in every season—thriving, struggling, and everything in between. He’s passionate about helping leaders rediscover their purpose and navigate the challenges of ministry with clarity and hope.
The Forty Project was born out of David’s doctoral work at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, where he explored how churches can move forward in a rapidly changing cultural and spiritual landscape. His heart is to see churches let go of what’s no longer working and embrace what’s possible.
David and his wife live in Southern California with their five kids. When he’s not teaching, leading, or coaching, there’s a good chance you’ll find him out surfing, or on a sports field or in a gym supporting his kids.
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Jessica Ludwig
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
With over two decades of ministry and consulting experience, Jessica is a trusted guide for churches and organizations navigating change. She has a sharp eye for architecture, design, and the transformative power of space- believing that buildings, like communities, can be reimagined to reflect purpose and possibility.
A strategic thinker and natural team builder, Jessica is known for asking the right questions, uncovering hidden potential, and forging a way forward that fits each church’s unique context and call. Her work is rooted in hospitality, clarity, and a deep commitment to seeing people and places thrive.
Jess is also a proud mom of five who finds joy in photography, city adventures, and discovering the next great local restaurant.
Let’s Talk.
We’d love the opportunity to get to know you, and your church context. Fill out this form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.